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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)

Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, also referred to as sexually
transmitted infections or STIs, do not refer to any one disease but include
more than 25 infectious organisms that are transmitted through sexual
activity and the dozens of clinical syndromes that they cause.

STDs are almost always spread from person to person by sexual intercourse,
most commonly by anal or vaginal intercourse but also through oral sex.
Some STDs, such as hepatitis B or HIV infection, are also transmitted
through blood-to-blood contact, through the sharing of needles or equipment
to inject drugs, body pierce or tattoo. Pregnant women with STDs may pass
their infections to infants during pregnancy or birth or through breast
feeding.